Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has sought ideas and proposals related to research & development (R&D) in the power sector.
These proposals are being sought from industry representatives with the objective of engaging academia with industry stakeholders. The ultimate objective is to enhance collaboration between industry and research institutions.
CEA is seeking such proposals by email (ce-mdcea@gov.in) by around December 31, 2025, an official communication said.
Background
As per Section 3(4) of the Electricity Act, 2003, CEA has been entrusted with the responsibility of preparing the National Electricity Plan (NEP) in accordance with the National Electricity Policy, and to notify such plans once every five years after obtaining the approval of the Central Government.
To undertake the work relating to the National Electricity Plan (NEP), CEA had constituted a Committee for the NEP for the period 2027-28 to 2036-37. In its first meeting, the NEP Committee constituted 11 sub-Committees to examine different aspects of the power sector and provide inputs.
One of the sub-committees is Sub-Committee V on “Research and Development in the Power Sector,” constituted under the chairmanship of Director General, Central Power Research Institute (CPRI), with members from various institutions including academia and industry.
Addressing the research gap
The first meeting of Sub-Committee V was held on October 29, 2025, wherein during the deliberation it emerged that there is a gap between research requirements of power Industry and the academic research efforts presently being carried out by the research institutions. Further, the committee emphasized the importance of adequate funding for breakthrough and transformative technologies and recommended integrating manufacturing deliverables with R&D activities to ensure end-to-end capability development.
The way forward
The proposals that CEA is seeking, if found constructive, may also be discussed with proponents in the next meeting of Sub-Committee V, which is scheduled to be held in the near future, the CEA note said.
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Featured photograph showing a cable testing facility of CRPI is for representation only